Jeff Luca Twinsburg High School Baseball Coach Dies in Car Crash

The Twinsburg community is in shock and grief after the sudden and tragic death of Jeff Luca, the head baseball coach of Twinsburg High School. Luca, 48, was killed in a car accident on Monday, December 6, 2023, while driving to a team meeting.

According to the Twinsburg Police Department, Luca was driving on Route 82 near Glenwood Drive when his vehicle collided with a semi-truck that was turning left. Luca was pronounced dead at the scene, while the truck driver was not injured. The police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Luca was a respected and beloved figure in Twinsburg, where he had been coaching the baseball team since 2018. He led the Tigers to a 17-11 record and a Suburban League National Division title in 2021, and a 19-9 record and a district semifinal appearance in 2022. He was also a teacher at Twinsburg High School, where he taught physical education and health.

Luca was known for his passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to his players, students, and colleagues. He was also a devoted husband and father of two sons, who played baseball at Twinsburg and Kent State University.

“Jeff was a tremendous coach, teacher, mentor, and friend to everyone who knew him,” said Twinsburg Superintendent Dr. Kathryn Powers in a statement. “He had a positive impact on countless lives and will be greatly missed by our Twinsburg family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, sons, and extended family during this difficult time.”

Twinsburg High School Principal Laura Hebert also expressed her condolences and praised Luca’s legacy. “Jeff was a leader who inspired his players and students to achieve their goals and dreams,” she said. “He was a role model who exemplified integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence. He was a loyal and supportive colleague who always had a smile and a kind word. He was a true Tiger who loved Twinsburg and our community.”

Many of Luca’s former and current players, students, and co-workers took to social media to share their memories and tributes to Luca. They described him as a caring, compassionate, and fun-loving person who made a difference in their lives.

“Coach Luca was more than just a coach to me, he was a mentor and a friend,” wrote senior outfielder Reggie Bussey on Twitter. “He taught me so much about baseball and life, and always believed in me. He was always there for me and my teammates, and always made us laugh. He was the best coach I ever had, and I will never forget him.”

“Mr. Luca was one of my favorite teachers ever,” wrote junior student Emily Jones on Instagram. “He was always so nice and helpful, and always made class fun and interesting. He always encouraged me to do my best and to be healthy and happy. He was a great teacher and a great person, and I will miss him so much.”

“Jeff Luca was a great colleague and a great friend,” wrote fellow teacher and coach John Quartieri on Facebook. “He was always positive and upbeat, and always willing to help and collaborate. He was passionate and knowledgeable about baseball and teaching, and always shared his insights and experiences. He was a joy to work with and to be around, and I will cherish our friendship forever.”

The Twinsburg High School baseball team held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, December 7, 2023, at the baseball field to honor and remember Luca. Hundreds of people attended the event, including Luca’s family, friends, players, students, staff, and community members. They lit candles, sang songs, prayed, and shared stories and emotions.

The Twinsburg High School baseball team also announced that they will dedicate their upcoming 2024 season to Luca, and wear patches with his initials and number on their jerseys. They also plan to retire Luca’s number 22 and hang a banner with his name and picture on the outfield fence.

“We want to honor Coach Luca and everything he did for us and for Twinsburg baseball,” said senior pitcher Henry Holman. “He was our coach, our teacher, our leader, and our friend. He loved us and we loved him. We will play for him and make him proud.”

Luca is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his sons, Nick and Jake, his parents, his brother, and his extended family. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Twinsburg High School auditorium, followed by a burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Twinsburg High School gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, the Luca family has requested that donations be made to the Twinsburg High School Baseball Booster Club, which will establish a scholarship fund in Luca’s name. The fund will provide financial assistance to Twinsburg baseball players who pursue higher education.

“Jeff Luca was a remarkable man who touched so many lives and left a lasting legacy,” said Twinsburg High School Baseball Booster Club President Dave Minor. “He was a champion of Twinsburg baseball and a champion of Twinsburg. He will always be remembered and honored by our Twinsburg baseball family and our Twinsburg community.”

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrKynspmle6S7zGilnq%2BjZLemssVmo66bkWLBuLXNrJmuqpditaqzx2aqnKCfpLlursCsnJuZnKF6pLvAnJ9mnJmawG61zWaamqpdmL%2Biv8do